Resilient Stories | Singapore Heart Foundation

Welcome to 55 Stories of Resilience, celebrating our 55^th anniversary by sharing powerful stories of courage in the face of heart disease. These stories illuminate the strength within each of us, the vital support of loved ones and the resilience that binds our community. Let them inspire hope and remind us that although the road may be tough, we will walk it together.

Championing Resilient Hearts with CPR + AED

Championing Resilient Hearts with CPR + AED

Since 2010, Mr Venod Kesavan has been volunteering as a lifesaving instructor for the Singapore Heart Foundation, training others in CPR and AED skills. His journey began in 2000, and he is dedicated to empowering others to save lives.

Mr Venod’s work isn’t without its challenges—many of those he trained, like a group of golfers who lost a friend to cardiac arrest, were emotionally distressed. But he helped them turn their grief into purpose by giving them the skills to protect others in the future.

As an active first responder and instructor, Mr Venod embodies resilience and service to the community by responding to emergencies and encouraging others to step up. He believes that it is through giving that we receive the greatest rewards and make our communities safer and stronger.

Journey to a Resilient Heart

Journey to a Resilient Heart

In 2020, Mr Shaiful Irwan, a 43-year-old sports enthusiast, was left shaken after surviving a heart attack. The restrictions of the pandemic and a sedentary lifestyle had negatively impacted his heart health, but Mr Shaiful was determined to resume the active life he loved.

After his surgery, Mr Shaiful leaned on cardiac rehabilitation at the Singapore Heart Foundation's Heart Wellness Centre and the unwavering support of his friends and family. With their encouragement, he regained his fitness, taking on 50-70km bike rides and even completing a 300km cycling challenge.

With a supportive social circle and professional guidance, Mr Shaiful stays committed to his health, and regularly participates in rehabilitation activities and balanced meals. His journey shows the power of resilience, community, and a positive mindset.

From Heart Attack to Heartstrong: Gary’s Journey of Resilience

From Heart Attack to Heartstrong: Gary's Journey of Resilience

In 2008, Mr Gary faced a life-changing heart attack, ignoring months of warning signs until a 100% blockage in an artery brought him to the brink. That's where the Heart Wellness Centre (HWC) came in, where personalised rehabilitation and a community of care reignited his resilient spirit.

From struggling to walk for 10 minutes to now powering through 1.5-hour workouts, Mr Gary transformed his life. Inspired by HWC’s compassionate staff and newfound friendships, he refused to let his diagnosis define him.

Today, he’s stronger, more energetic and thriving. Gary’s message is simple: resilience takes effort, but the rewards—a fuller, independent life—are worth every step.

Building a Resilient Future Through Heart Care

Building a Resilient Future Through Heart Care

For nearly two decades, Mr Vernon Kang has championed heart health as CEO of the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF). His personal connection to the Foundation's mission, coupled with a steadfast vision, fuelled remarkable growth and impact on heart health in Singapore.

From a small team in a basement to three Heart Wellness Centres and nationwide CPR events, Mr Vernon led ground-breaking initiatives like Project Heart and National Life Saving Day, which broke world records and raised heart health awareness across Singapore.

As Mr Vernon steps down as CEO, he leaves a legacy of resilience, collaboration and dedication. His servant leadership and future vision for the SHF continue to inspire the mission of a heart-healthy Singapore.

Thank you, Mr Vernon!

Pedalling with Purpose: Raising Funds Through Resilience

Pedalling with Purpose: Raising Funds Through Resilience

After learning that 620 million people were affected by heart disease globally in 2021, Mr Sudhanva was resolved to find a way to raise funds for the lifesaving work that goes into saving hearts. In the spirit of “a mile for a million”, he started a fundraiser for the Singapore Heart Foundation, where he aims to cycle 620 miles (around 1,000 kilometres) over a year to help raise funds towards the Foundation's work. With $2,000 already raised and 218 days to go, Mr Sudhanva continues to keep at his goal to show his spirit of resilience through his good deed for the Foundation!

Staying Resilient Through His Heart Journey

Staying Resilient Through His Heart Journey

More than a decade ago, Mr Desmond Lee faced a life-threatening heart condition that required bypass surgery. Following cardiac rehab, he joined Singapore Heart Foundation's (SHF) Heart Wellness Centre, where tailored exercises and dedicated staff supported his recovery. Since then, the social connections he formed at the Centre further motivated him to stay active and heart-healthy.

Now 71, Mr Lee still attends his weekly sessions and credits SHF for improving his quality of life. He urges others to join him at the Centre for both physical and emotional support.

Empowering Resilient Hearts Through Action

Empowering Resilient Hearts Through Action

"Through the Singapore Heart Foundation, I have seen how quickly people pick up the knowledge and skills and how much they appreciate learning to save a life. That’s what keeps me going—knowing that every person I train is another potential lifesaver out there. Sometimes, all it takes is a few hours of learning, a little practice, and the willingness to step up when the need arises."

- Mr Utsav Gupta, Basic Cardiac Life Support and AED Instructor

Heart Support Fund: Financial Relief for Resilient Recoveries

Heart Support Fund: Financial Relief for Resilient Recoveries

Meet the resilient 86-year-old Mr Arnasalam, who triumphed over his painful bouts of breathlessness with help from the TAVI procedure. Mr Arnasalam and his wife, Mdm Seetha, both retirees, were initially concerned about the cost of the procedure. Mdm Seetha shared, “Whether we could afford the procedure or not, it was something we had to do.” Hence, they sought the help of their medical social worker to appeal for subsidies.

It was a relief for Mr Arnasalam as his TAVI procedure was a success and his condition quickly improved. His worries about the procedure’s cost were also alleviated by the partial subsidy provided by the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Support Fund.

From Financial Strain to Resilient Hearts: How the Heart Support Fund Made a Difference

From Financial Strain to Resilient Hearts: How the Heart Support Fund Made a Difference

Foreseeing that the cost of the TAVI operation would be hefty, Mdm Lim Guat Lan was concerned about paying for the operation’s hefty cost. After surgery, Mdm Lim’s medical social worker sought help from the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Heart Support Fund to subsidise the $33,149 procedure and the mother-daughter pair’s worries were quietened.

“I felt so happy, so lucky, that an organisation helped her. Thank you so much,” said Mdm Lim’s daughter.

Riding the Road to Recovery: Mr Chua’s Journey of Resilience

Riding the Road to Recovery: Mr Chua's Journey of Resilience

In 2020, Mr Chua Aik Boon survived a cardiac arrest and found a lifeline at the Singapore Heart Foundation's (SHF) Heart Wellness Centre. Through weekly rehabilitation, he regained his fitness, adopted a heart-healthy lifestyle and even completed an 800km cycling journey. Motivated by his young children and supported by the caring staff, Mr Chua now manages his health with confidence. Grateful for SHF’s impact, he encourages others to join the programme as well!

- Mr Chua Aik Boon, Heart Wellness Centre Client

Driven to Build Resilient Hearts and Prevent Heart Disease

Driven to Build Resilient Hearts and Prevent Heart Disease

"I am passionate about doing my part to motivate our community in heart disease prevention and to reduce disability and death caused by cardiovascular disease."

- Dr Chan Wan Xian, Chairperson, Go Red for Women Committee

Staying Resilient Through Adversity

Staying Resilient Through Adversity

"With the help of the Heart Support Fund, I was able to receive lifesaving assistance that has made a huge difference in my life. Despite the numerous heart surgeries I've undergone, I'm grateful to still be here for my daughter and my family."

- Mdm Sifa, Heart Support Fund Beneficiary

Fostering Resilient Hearts Through Community Support

"We work tirelessly to extend a helping hand to those in need, but we can't do it alone. With the support from the public, corporate partners and government agencies, we can share our vision with many individuals in Singapore."

- Mr Geoffrey Ong, Chief Executive Officer, SHF

A Legacy of Dedication to Heart Health and Resilience

"Since its founding, the Singapore Heart Foundation has raised the awareness of heart disease and its prevention in Singapore. It runs annual events such as National Heart Week. It has also pushed for initiatives such as teaching CPR+AED, the installation of publicly accessible defibrillators, as well as helping to set up major programmes that now exist today such as the Myocardial Infarction Registry. So I'm very proud to be part of this organisation."

- Prof Terrance Chua, Immediate Past Chairman, SHF

Championing Resilient Hearts Through Advocacy and Education

“The impact of cardiovascular disease prevention is tremendous, to say the least. Not just for personal health but also for the well-being of the family as well as for society at large. This is the core of what the Singapore Heart Foundation stands for."

- Prof Tan Huay Cheem, Chairman, SHF

Empowering Resilience Through Cardiac Rehab

"We realised that many patients who had suffered a heart attack or similar problems with their heart did not know what to do after their heart surgery and recovery. So, we decided that it would be good to start a cardiac rehabilitation programme.

It has now become a very comprehensive programme, and the Singapore Heart Foundation is the only institution that offers this programme outside of hospitals. It has been so successful that we now have at least three centres offering cardiac rehabilitation."

- Dr Low Lip Ping, Chairman Emeritus, SHF

Building Confidence, Strengthening Resilient Hearts

"I joined the Singapore Heart Foundation's Heart Wellness Centre because I have a heart problem. I hope that through these sessions and these gym exercises, I can improve my health. The physiotherapists are all very helpful and very friendly. This makes me want to come here to enjoy the sessions and to feel more confident."

- Mdm Fatimah Binte Ismail, Heart Wellness Centre Client

Resilient Hearts, Lifesaving Hands

"After teaching people, they always say: 'You know, this is really a good skill.' Everybody should come forward to learn. It's never too late to start learning and come for the course to learn CPR and AED.

We really put in our all to teach everybody and hopefully, they can retain the skill and come back every two years for a refresher course. Compared to last time, there are more people who are willing to step forward to learn this skill."

- Ms Jeslyn and Ms Zoey, mother-daughter duo, CPR+AED Instructors

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